April 2, 2009 · 6:00 am

In His Presence.

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Meet Tony Brower.  Father of two beautiful daughters.  Skilled martial artist.  Unbelievable musician and songwriter.  Comedian.  Cowboy.  Jesus-Lover. 

No one sang “Rain of Your Presence” with more passion than Tony.  Let this song be our prayer.  Every day that we live.

Let the rain of your presence fall on me
Every day that I live with every breath I breathe
Let the rain of your presence fall on me
Everywhere that I go, Lord let your presence flow
Rain on Me
Love divine
Joy unspeakable
Overflowing in my soul
This heart of mine
Is refreshed and at rest
In Your presence, in Your presence

After a long battle with cancer, Tony stands today in our Savior’s very presence.  I know that joy unspeakable is overflowing in his soul.

You’ll be missed, Tony Brower.

Thank you for your passion and for teaching us what it means to be a fighter.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

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April 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

If Oprah Calls, Tell Her I’m Only Free On Fridays.


I wasn’t sure, but I thought God was trying to tell me something.  Last Saturday, I dreamed I won an Emmy for writing some fantastic television series.  Katherine Heigl was my BFF.  Oh, and I also saw John Travolta at some event, and I was like “Whatev” and all.  Then, last night I dreamed I was hanging out with Elvis Presley – the skinny, Viva Las Vegas Elvis, not the I don’t care what anyone thinks of me, because I can sing “How Great Thou Art” like it’s nobody’s business Elvis.

Since the king is no longer shakin’ it, I’m pretty sure it was the Benedryl talking and not the Almighty. 

Of course, those dreams sure are nicer than the dream that took years for me to recover from.  It’s the one where the Incredible Hulk chased me inside my dad’s church when I was a child.  It’s true.  You won’t like him when he’s angry.

I do have some real dreams.  You know, visions for my life.  The Bible says that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)  Since it’s true that one in two marriages end in divorce, I better have a vision for a closer, more intimate relationship with my husband, right?  A vision for a healthier me leads to time at the gym – something I saw for the first time yesterday in a very long time.  Otherwise, without this vision, I’ll probably just succumb to daily consumptions of chips and queso. 

We don’t just accidentally end up fulfilling visions.  We do it on purpose.  One of the visions I have for my children is for them to grow up with a heart after God.  That they will be fully surrendered followers of Christ all the days of their lives.  I realize this will probably not just happen.  So, I’m cautious with what kind of music they listen to.  I disciple them in small things.  We are intentional in praying before dinner.  I do things that will hopefully, with much prayer, lead them to seek His Kingdom first.

We have to be intentional.  To fulfill our life visions, we have to get there on purpose.

Do you have a vision for your life?  What are you doing on purpose to get there?

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March 30, 2009 · 6:00 am

The NAV Bible (New Anna Version)

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Last week, Anna got into trouble at Pre-School.  When I found out about it, I let her know that she was in trouble, and I would have to tell her dad about it.  John Henry, self-appointed Sheriff of Moral Order, also got involved.  Here is how the conversation went.

Me:  Anna, I’m going to talk to your dad when we get home.  This is unacceptable.

Anna: (Crying) NO!  Don’t tell Daddy!  Don’t tell Daddy!

Me:  Anna, I can’t keep this from your Daddy.

John Henry:  Anna, the Bible says we should not keep secrets from one another.  [A bit of a stretch on the truth shall set you free.]

Anna:  (Sobbing) Well, my Bible says different things!

I could not help but laugh.  Her Bible says different things.  Oh, how we all, at some point in life, pretend our Bible says something different.

Her quick wit didn’t save her from being disciplined. 

But, it almost did.

Have you ever been unable to discipline your child because of his or her wit?  I bet you have!

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March 27, 2009 · 6:00 am

If You Look Up Mercy, You Might Find His Picture.

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A few quotables from my dad I try to live by:

1) Nothing good happens after at midnight.  Wherever you’re going to be, be there by then.

2) Vengeance belongs to God.  Not me.

3) His mercies are new every morning.  So should ours be for others.

4) Never let her cut grass.  Well, that’s what he told Kris when he asked for my hand in marriage. I remind Kris of this. J

5) Everything is going to be okay.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  We love you big. 

And, so do John Henry and Anna:

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March 26, 2009 · 6:00 am

Different Eyes

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As I was taking John Henry to school the other day, he noticed how small the trees were around us.  We had just spent time in Georgia where the trees are tall, lush, and plentiful.  This fact can, often times, make me critical of Oklahoma’s lack of vegetation.

“The trees aren’t like that here,” I told him.

“But they’re growing,” he said.

His response stayed with me the rest of the day. 

But, they’re growing.

How often we look at situations – specifically people – with a critical eye.  I recently heard my dad talk about blurred vision and how we often try to focus on both worldly and heavenly values.  Matthew 6:22-23 says, “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.  But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”

Our critical eyes can allow darkness to fill our body.  I don’t want to have blurred vision.  I want to be able to look at people with His eyes.  And, when I do, I just might see that they are growing.

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March 25, 2009 · 6:00 am

That’s My Boat

The title is clearly lost if you don’t read in your best Forest Gump voice.  Here are a few more photos from the Takle Family Spring Break 2009.

 

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Kris’ response to this shrimp boat was “I’ve got twelve Jenny’s.”  We were told by a tour guide that the shrimping industry will be obsolete in ten years due to the ease of today’s farm-raised shrimp.  Kind of sad, huh? 

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This thingamabob does something with cargo ships.  Lifts the boxes?  I really paid attention.  Well, I did pay attention to the fact that it was shipped to Amelia Island from Singapore already assembled.  Okay.  It’s a boring picture, but you have to admit that it’s pretty impressive.  Yes?  Or, maybe when you are consumed with a 4 year old who only wants to wear purple now, you’re easily impressed.

Back at the grandparents’ house, Anna discovered her inner Audubon with a little bird watching.

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And this one finally got his hair cut short.

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Memories were made.  At one point, I looked at Kris on our getaway and just said, “We are so blessed.”  I’ve had my share of struggles.  But, scripture reminds us to rejoice in tribulation, because it produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.  And, hope does not disappoint.  Had I not endured a broken heart, there would be no Anna Takle. 

You see how good God is?

 

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March 24, 2009 · 6:00 am

Self Portraits On Love Island.

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I love how I look gigantor in this picture next to Kris. What up with that?  Then, in an attempt to get some new profile shots for Twitter and whatnot, I took this self-portrait:

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What makes me laugh about this picture is Kris’ observation of how everyone looks/smiles differently in pictures they take of themselves.  It’s like me – but not really me.  Ya know?  Funny.  Good times.

We had a WONDERFUL time together on Amelia Island.  And I mean all caps WONDERFUL.  We finally viewed the much talked about “Fireproof.”  I looked over and saw a tear – or two – flowing down Kris’ cheek.  It wasn’t the emotional display he put on while watching Marley & Me, but he was noticeably touched by the film.  I doubt any of the actors would ever get an Oscar nod, but the story was a powerful one.  

Favorite line in the movie – and a thought I’d like to leave you with:

“Don’t follow your heart.  Your heart can deceive you.  Lead your heart.”

What does this thought mean to you?

 

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March 23, 2009 · 6:00 am

And, if I see a set of scales, I’m gonna holler.


Back home.  And, what’s done is done.  The display I put on last week in the Peach State – then on a getaway to Amelia Island – is somewhat regrettable.  I don’t even want to see the numbers.  There is simply no sense in weighing myself until I fast all things edible for the next twenty-one days.  At least.  More to come on the Amelia Island getaway tomorrow. 

I’ve received numerous e-mails – okay, two – requesting a posting on Bigmama’s thoughts.  I always love coming home and visiting my almost 90 year old grandmother.  Her words of wisdom are, well, they’re enlightening.  I recorded a few of her comments the first day of my visit.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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Upon complaining to Bigmama about the weather, she told me to “Hush.  This is God’s weather!”  So, I did.

When watching TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” Bigmama responded in defiance, “I’m gonna wear what I got!”

On the Playtex bra commercial:  “They used to not show stuff like that.”

Parenting advice from Bigmama:  “Don’t yell at your kids.  It makes ‘em mad.”

After looking at my iPhone:  “Show me how to press buttons on that thing.”

When learning how much the iPhone cost:  “That’s not so bad if it’ll do all that.”

I have to agree with Bigmama.  I can also appreciate that a woman who won’t buy canned salmon unless it’s on sale could actually justify buying an iPhone.   She is a woman who surely knows how to prioritize her life. 

 

 

 

 

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March 17, 2009 · 6:00 am

The Greatest Decision.


I’m not one for seeing two five o’clocks in the same day.  I’m a girl who appreciates sleep.  But, Saturday morning meant everyone in the Takle household would have to stretch before sunrise.  John Henry stirred much sooner than we anticipated.  Anna, a girl after my own heart, wasn’t about to let her snuggled self be bothered until it was time. 

Eventually, Kris and John Henry made their way into the family room.  John Henry started asking Kris several questions about life after death. 

“Dusty!”  Kris called for me.  “John Henry has some questions for you,” he said. 

Funny.

So, I joined my two favorite men, and I answered his questions the best I could.  He has been talking a lot about salvation lately and asking a few questions.

So, I knew it was time.

“John Henry, do you want to ask Jesus to come into your heart?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said.

So, we prayed.  And my six year old boy made the greatest decision he will ever make.

While, he has believed in Jesus Christ, I explained to him this was just a confession of his faith. 

Then, yesterday, Anna said she had Jesus in her heart.  John Henry argued that she did not since she had not prayed. (We’ll balance our sweet boy out as time goes on.)

John Henry then asked Anna to repeat after him.  And, he led her in the sinner’s prayer, and she asked Jesus into her heart, too.  He just might evangelize the world before he turns seven. 

If God can use him to change his sister’s life, God can use him to do anything.

On that note, Kris and I are off for a mom and dad only get-away.  I am leaving my laptop at home.  I know, right?  I’ll have my phone.  If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, I might take a little Twitpic and post it on occasion.  But, my main focus is going to be my Scandinavian hunk of burnin’ love.

God bless grandparents.

See y’all again next week.

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March 16, 2009 · 6:00 am

Our Little Circle of Love.

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For more than twenty-four hours, Kris and I searched for his wedding band.

“The last time I saw it, it was on the kitchen counter,” I told him.

“I know.  Me, too,” he agreed.

So, we searched.  And, we searched some more.  Until finally, we had exhausted all of our options.

All save one.

The morning that followed our search mission, Kris cornered Anna.

“Baby doll, have you seen daddy’s wedding ring?” He gently asked her.

“Hmmm.  I think I have.  Let me check.  YOU STAY RIGHT HERE!”  She ordered.

A few seconds later, Anna hand delivered Kris’ wedding band.  He praised her, but also told her how special the ring is to him.

Later that morning, I followed Anna into her room, and asked, “Where was daddy’s wedding band?”

She pulled a little box out of her school backpack and showed me where it had been resting.

“Anna, did you take daddy’s ring to school?” I asked her.

“Yes!  I wanted to show my friends!”  She said.

So, she did.  And, we know that there is, indeed, a God of the universe, because, that circle of love made it back home. 

I pray years from now, she shows that same ring to her friends, and says, “My parents are great examples of what love, pursuit, and commitment are all about.”  Except, I hope she tells us this time J

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